The Atlanta Hawks secured a convincing 124-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, showcasing their resilience even in the absence of star guard Stephen Curry.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks, scoring 25 points and delivering 10 assists, marking his 41st double-double of the season. Young's performance was pivotal, particularly as Golden State came into the game without their primary playmaker. Stephen Curry was sidelined with a pelvic contusion sustained during a previous game against the Toronto Raptors.
Meanwhile, Georges Niang stepped up with a stellar performance, scoring 23 points on an impressive 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. Onyeka Okongwu also contributed significantly, adding 20 points and 12 rebounds, further solidifying the Hawks' dominance during the game.
The Warriors, who have struggled to maintain momentum without Curry, saw Jimmy Butler lead them with 25 points while Moses Moody chipped in with 20 points. This marked just the third loss for Golden State since the All-Star break, highlighting their struggle without their star player, who will be reevaluated on March 24.
From the opening moments of the game, the Hawks quickly overcame a brief deficit, falling behind 0-3 before taking control and leading for almost the entire match. The team held a commanding lead of 22 points at one juncture, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive fortitude.
Niang’s sharp shooting was highlighted in the early fourth quarter, as his fifth 3-pointer propelled the Hawks to a solid 106-85 lead, igniting the home crowd. Despite the Warriors' best efforts to close the gap, the Hawks held firm, ultimately securing the victory.
In Curry's absence, Golden State's Brandin Podziemski took charge as a backup point guard, finishing with 19 points and shooting 63% (5 of 8) from 3-point range. This performance, while commendable, was not enough to overcome the Hawks’ steadfast grip on the game.
Looking ahead, Atlanta will host the Philadelphia 76ers next on March 23, aiming to continue their winning streak. On the other hand, the Warriors face a tough road matchup against the Miami Heat on March 26, which will mark another test of their depth and resilience without their leading scorer.
As the NBA season progresses, the health and return of key players like Curry will be crucial for the Warriors as they aim to regain their footing and make a strong push toward the playoffs.
